The Kentucky Derby is by far the most-watched horse race of the year. Millions either come out to Churchill Downs or sit on their couches and watch from home. Last year, 14.8 million viewers watched as I'll Have Another won the first leg of the Triple Crown, becoming the third most-watched Derby race since 1989.
Saturday, the Derby looks to gain even more viewership, as there are multiple chances for history to be made during the 1 1/4 mile race.
Friday, May 3: Kentucky Oaks, 5-6 p.m. NBCSN Saturday, May 4: Derby Prep, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. NBCSNSaturday, May 4: The 139 Kentucky Derby, 4-7 p.m. NBCSaturday, May 4: Derby Post, 7-7:30 p.m. NBCSN
Kevin Krigger is looking to become the first African-American jockey to win the Derby since Jimmy Winkfield won his second in a row in 1902. He also becomes the second African-American to jockey a horse in the Derby since 1921.
Krigger has a great opportunity to make his dream become a reality. His horse, Goldencents, is one of the favorites going into tomorrow at 5-1 odds. Only two other horses, Varrazano at 4-1 and Orb at 7-2, have a better chance to win tomorrow.
Not only that, but if you check out B/Rs own Carlos Torres' piece on the history of each post's performance in the Derby, the eighth post has produced the third-most amount of Derby winners, the last one being Mine That Bird in 2009. Goldencents' starting post? I think you figured it out.
Rosie Napravnik will also try to make Derby history when she attempts to become the first female jockey to win the Derby in the race's history.
Since she began riding races in 2005, Napravnik has won over 1,500 races and became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks in 2012. She also has some experience with the Derby; Napravnik rode Pants on Fire to a ninth-place finish in 2011, the best finish by a female to date.
Naprivnik has a good chance to further her accolades. Her horse, Mylute, is going off at 15-1 odds and has a fantastic pedigree that you can read more about in detail here.
The Derby brings in millions of viewers every year on a regular basis. With the storylines heading into tomorrow's race, I expect the numbers to rise yet again, as history can be made at the 139 Kentucky Derby.
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